The goal of this project was to further explore topics that we had studied or were going to study in biology class. I did not focus on one specific surgery or idea, but instead followed a doctor around all day. Through this I wanted to learned more about the daily schedule of a doctor. Also, I wished to observe a surgery similar to what the surgery preformed at the Floating Hospital on my brother, which saved his life.
Discoveries:
The daily schedule of a doctor is much busier and tiring than I expected. I arrived at 6:25 and Dr. Chwals was already working in his office. My day ended around 4 and he was still at work and did not seem to be leaving anytime shortly. Dr. Chwals taught me a lot about each aspect of the hospital. He explained each surgery in detail and the causes and diagnosis of them. The obesity seminar in the morning taught me an abundance of facts that I was previously unfamiliar with. All the doctors were very busy, yet they all took time out of their day to help me with my biology project. They all were eager to help me in any way necessary.
Challenges:
One challenge was the length of the day. waking up at 5:30 during vacation was extremely tough and the full day of observation was exhausting. Since doctors have such busy schedules, I found it fairly difficult to communicate with Dr. Chwals. I eventually found out that the key to this is persistence.
Looking Back:
I wish I could have set up another day of observation. this experience was very educational and exciting. I would have loved to be able to do another day of shadowing. The day felt rushed in some aspects, I would have liked to observe another surgery and spent more time at the Tufts' Lab.
Project Resources:
This video is very helpful in getting a sense of how doctors use laparascopic instruments. The Floating Hospital website was a great place to find specific information on current research at the hospital and also background information on the hospital and its individual departments.
Example of the use of laparascopic instruments. This is an appendectomy.
Michael Corrigan
Trauma at The Floating Hospital
Table of Contents
Goal:
Discoveries:
Challenges:
Looking Back:
Project Resources:
Example of the use of laparascopic instruments. This is an appendectomy.